The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) facilitated the kick-off celebration for the 25th National Maritime Week (NMW) and the 29th National Seafarers Day during an event held Sunday at the PCG national headquarters in Port Area, Manila.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan led the opening ceremony, which paid tribute to Filipino seafarers for their hard work and dedication to the maritime profession. The NMW will run this year with the theme “Navigating the Future: Safety First.”
“As we embark on this journey together, let us remember that safety is not just a priority—it is a culture. It is our duty to instill this culture within our organizations, ensuring that every seafarer returns home safely after each voyage,” Gavan said.
“This commitment to safety will not only safeguard lives, but also inspire the next generation of maritime professionals,” he emphasized in his remarks.
Gavan recognized the contributions of maritime stakeholders in raising the bar for maritime safety standards within the shipping industry.
The PCG is leading the 25th NMW celebration this week with various activities, including maritime forums, seminars, and coastal clean-ups in PCG districts among others, from 22 to 29 September 2024.
According to Statista—a global data and business intelligence platform—there were about 576,600 seafarers deployed from the Philippines in 2023, making it one of the world’s leading suppliers of personnel in the maritime industry.
